Activity Update
2025 December Newsletter Article—Activity Department
What Is It Like to Work in a Nursing Home during the Christmas Season?
Last Christmas, my husband gave me a book by the great old English preacher, Charles Spurgeon, called Good Tidings of Great Joy! Spurgeon’s three devotions on the Angels’ Song were so inspiring, and then it hit me that those words were the answer to that question that I am often asked during our December holidays.
“Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill toward men!”
First, “glory to God in the highest” gives us the basis and the why of everything we value. It brought glory to God to send His Son for the benefit of people—those who believe and those who do not. When we come to work, we know that each person we care for that day is valuable and precious to the God of the Universe. Every unique aspect of each resident’s life is important. We are caring for an individual person, every time we walk through Montrose Health Center’s doors. Could there be a job more meaningful than that?
The angels’ Christmas song reminds us!
Next, “peace on earth” was the goal of that very special birth in Bethlehem. Our world has been lacking in peace since the fall of man—no peace with God, no peace with one another, no peace between nations, no peace within. As we come to work with our residents, we strive to bring peace to each person’s life. Christmas is a time of joy, but it is also a time with difficult memories for many. It is a time for remembering those who are no longer with us. It is a time when many feel the decline of their abilities to care for themselves. Residents remember when they were the ones hosting celebrations in their own homes. Staff members can bring peace to our residents by listening to their memories of loved ones, by listening to their fears & regrets, by offering events that help our residents feel that there are still good times and days ahead for them, by welcoming visiting family members in, by encouraging residents to share their traditions with us, and by allowing residents to make new memories with us. Our work brings peace to our part of the world.
The angels’ song is true peace!
Finally, “goodwill toward men” was offered to all that first Christmas. Every day we have opportunity to do our jobs in a way that spreads goodwill. We give our residents opportunities to reach out to others in ways that they can. Goodwill is a touch from above that can be spread to others. Our job is our opportunity to help our residents feel the favor of having others reach out to them and to care for their needs. Our job is to welcome others to do just that. Our job is our opportunity to spread goodwill in our community by reaching out together with our residents with cards and tied blankets and the joy of smiles toward those who visit. We spread goodwill to and with our residents!
The angels’ song is joyful and giving!
So, what is it like to work in a nursing home during the Christmas season?
It’s like singing with the angels—Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Our job truly is all about the joy of the season!
Merry Christmas, friends.
Laura Zechin, Activity Director
Dietary Update
Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We did here at MHC! We had a good turnout for our Thanksgiving meal. Many residents had family come enjoy our meal with them. This is our favorite time of year, preparing a nice meal for not only residents, but for their family and our staff as well. I really hope we have a good turnout for our Christmas meal as well. With that being said, I highly recommend coming to join us. We are cooking up some delicious new items on the menu. Our will consist of a Cranberry Glazed Meatloaf, Brussel Sprout Au Gratin, Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups, Gingerbread Spiced Pudding, Dinner Rolls with Cranberry Butter. Please RSVP by December 22nd. Meals are $10 per person. We would love to have you join us. Hope to see you soon and stay warm out there!
Happy Holidays!
Brandy Jenkins
Dietary Supervisor
Nursing Update
Montrose Health Center
Family Newsletter – December
Dear Families and Friends,
As December arrives, Montrose Health Center has been filled with the peaceful beauty of falling snow. The view from our windows has been a joy for our residents, especially as they watch the busy birds visiting the feeders outside. It has been a simple but meaningful source of daily enjoyment and conversation for many.
We are excited to kick off the holiday season with festive plans we hope will bring warmth, joy, and togetherness to everyone in our community.
🎄 Christmas Decorating Party – December 6th
On Friday, December 6th, we will be hosting our annual Christmas Decorating Party! Residents and staff will join together to decorate Christmas cookies, enjoy cheerful Christmas music, and bring the holiday spirit to every corner of our facility. Warm cocoa will be served to make the afternoon even cozier. We look forward to creating sweet treats, beautiful decorations, and wonderful memories.
🚪 Door Decorating Contest
Our staff will also be decorating residents’ doors this month to spread holiday cheer throughout the halls. The management team will select a winner on December 15th, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and festive spirit shine.
🐦 Enjoying Winter Wildlife
One of the simple joys this season has brought is the activity at our bird feeders. Residents have loved watching cardinals, chickadees, and other winter birds flutter in for a visit. These moments of nature have sparked smiles, stories, and even a bit of friendly debate about which bird will show up next!
We are grateful for your continued support and partnership as we move into this joyful season. From all of us at Montrose Health Center, we wish you peace, warmth, and many moments of holiday happiness.
Warmest regards,
The Montrose Health Center Team
Activity Update
2025 December Newsletter Article—Activity Department
What Is It Like to Work in a Nursing Home during the Christmas Season?
Last Christmas, my husband gave me a book by the great old English preacher, Charles Spurgeon, called Good Tidings of Great Joy! Spurgeon’s three devotions on the Angels’ Song were so inspiring, and then it hit me that those words were the answer to that question that I am often asked during our December holidays.
“Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill toward men!”
First, “glory to God in the highest” gives us the basis and the why of everything we value. It brought glory to God to send His Son for the benefit of people—those who believe and those who do not. When we come to work, we know that each person we care for that day is valuable and precious to the God of the Universe. Every unique aspect of each resident’s life is important. We are caring for an individual person, every time we walk through Montrose Health Center’s doors. Could there be a job more meaningful than that?
The angels’ Christmas song reminds us!
Next, “peace on earth” was the goal of that very special birth in Bethlehem. Our world has been lacking in peace since the fall of man—no peace with God, no peace with one another, no peace between nations, no peace within. As we come to work with our residents, we strive to bring peace to each person’s life. Christmas is a time of joy, but it is also a time with difficult memories for many. It is a time for remembering those who are no longer with us. It is a time when many feel the decline of their abilities to care for themselves. Residents remember when they were the ones hosting celebrations in their own homes. Staff members can bring peace to our residents by listening to their memories of loved ones, by listening to their fears & regrets, by offering events that help our residents feel that there are still good times and days ahead for them, by welcoming visiting family members in, by encouraging residents to share their traditions with us, and by allowing residents to make new memories with us. Our work brings peace to our part of the world.
The angels’ song is true peace!
Finally, “goodwill toward men” was offered to all that first Christmas. Every day we have opportunity to do our jobs in a way that spreads goodwill. We give our residents opportunities to reach out to others in ways that they can. Goodwill is a touch from above that can be spread to others. Our job is our opportunity to help our residents feel the favor of having others reach out to them and to care for their needs. Our job is to welcome others to do just that. Our job is our opportunity to spread goodwill in our community by reaching out together with our residents with cards and tied blankets and the joy of smiles toward those who visit. We spread goodwill to and with our residents!
The angels’ song is joyful and giving!
So, what is it like to work in a nursing home during the Christmas season?
It’s like singing with the angels—Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Our job truly is all about the joy of the season!
Merry Christmas, friends.
Laura Zechin, Activity Director
Dietary Update
Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We did here at MHC! We had a good turnout for our Thanksgiving meal. Many residents had family come enjoy our meal with them. This is our favorite time of year, preparing a nice meal for not only residents, but for their family and our staff as well. I really hope we have a good turnout for our Christmas meal as well. With that being said, I highly recommend coming to join us. We are cooking up some delicious new items on the menu. Our will consist of a Cranberry Glazed Meatloaf, Brussel Sprout Au Gratin, Parmesan Mashed Potato Cups, Gingerbread Spiced Pudding, Dinner Rolls with Cranberry Butter. Please RSVP by December 22nd. Meals are $10 per person. We would love to have you join us. Hope to see you soon and stay warm out there!
Happy Holidays!
Brandy Jenkins
Dietary Supervisor
Nursing Update
Montrose Health Center
Family Newsletter – December
Dear Families and Friends,
As December arrives, Montrose Health Center has been filled with the peaceful beauty of falling snow. The view from our windows has been a joy for our residents, especially as they watch the busy birds visiting the feeders outside. It has been a simple but meaningful source of daily enjoyment and conversation for many.
We are excited to kick off the holiday season with festive plans we hope will bring warmth, joy, and togetherness to everyone in our community.
🎄 Christmas Decorating Party – December 6th
On Friday, December 6th, we will be hosting our annual Christmas Decorating Party! Residents and staff will join together to decorate Christmas cookies, enjoy cheerful Christmas music, and bring the holiday spirit to every corner of our facility. Warm cocoa will be served to make the afternoon even cozier. We look forward to creating sweet treats, beautiful decorations, and wonderful memories.
🚪 Door Decorating Contest
Our staff will also be decorating residents’ doors this month to spread holiday cheer throughout the halls. The management team will select a winner on December 15th, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and festive spirit shine.
🐦 Enjoying Winter Wildlife
One of the simple joys this season has brought is the activity at our bird feeders. Residents have loved watching cardinals, chickadees, and other winter birds flutter in for a visit. These moments of nature have sparked smiles, stories, and even a bit of friendly debate about which bird will show up next!
We are grateful for your continued support and partnership as we move into this joyful season. From all of us at Montrose Health Center, we wish you peace, warmth, and many moments of holiday happiness.
Warmest regards,
The Montrose Health Center Team